Large oak to be removed along scenic Va. highway

One of these trees will be cut and the other trimmed by VDOT. (WTOP/Hank Silverberg)

GREAT FALLS, Va. — The death of a local man killed when a tree fell on his car last year in Great Falls is prompting some state action to prevent similar tragedies.

The Virginia Department of Transportation says it will cut down one of two large white oak trees that have stood at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road for decades. The oak to be cut down has branches hanging out over the highway. The other tree will be trimmed.

Georgetown Pike is promoted as Virginia’s oldest scenic highway.

In a letter to the Great Falls Citizens Association, VDOT Chief Engineer Garrett Moore indicated the health of the trees has prompted the decision.

Karen Allen, a local resident, say it’s a good decision

“Between the electric lines and just the safety of the traffic, I think it’s the right thing,” she says.

Much of the Village of Great Falls lost power for more than a week after June’s derecho, largely because of falling trees and branches.

Graham Burke, who lives just up Walker Road from the intersection, says there are dead trees up and down the highway.